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Anti-Theft Phone Strap: 5 Ways to Protect Your Phone in 2026
You protect your phone with three layers: screen lock, Find-My, and an anti-theft phone strap as physical security. According to Statista, over 115,000 phones are stolen every year in Germany alone — software alone is not enough.
In this guide we show you 5 methods to secure your phone against theft: software setup, physical protection via phone straps, behaviour in risky situations, and what to do when the phone is gone anyway. Honest, no marketing fluff.
MG
Marie Graf
SUSANNO Editor · Phone Strap Expert since 2022
Last updated April 13, 2026
SUSANNO Editor · Phone Strap Expert since 2022
Last updated April 13, 2026
Key takeaway
An anti-theft phone strap prevents more thefts than any app. The ideal combination uses three layers: screen lock (data protection), Find-My (recovery), and a phone wrist strap or crossbody strap (physical barrier). All for under 50 euros — hull with eyelets plus strap.
An anti-theft phone strap prevents more thefts than any app. The ideal combination uses three layers: screen lock (data protection), Find-My (recovery), and a phone wrist strap or crossbody strap (physical barrier). All for under 50 euros — hull with eyelets plus strap.
★★★★★5.0 of 5 — based on 62 product reviews on SUSANNO.com
1. Screen Lock and Strong Passcode
The basics. Without active screen lock, every phone is an open book to the thief — including banking apps, photos and chats. Face ID or fingerprint alone is not enough.
iPhone setup
- Settings → Face ID & Passcode → 6-digit numeric passcode, better 8-digit alphanumeric.
- "Erase Data after 10 failed attempts" ON.
- Enable Find My iPhone.
- Enable Stolen Device Protection (iOS 17.3+).
Android setup
- Settings → Security → 6-digit PIN or 6-dot pattern.
- Google Play Protect + Find My Device ON.
- Samsung: also set up SmartThings Find.
2. Find-My and IMEI
The first 60 minutes after theft are decisive. iPhone: open iCloud Find. Android: google.com/android/find.
Do this in advance
- Note IMEI: dial *#06#, save 15-digit number in a password manager.
- Memorize Apple-ID or Google-ID — including password. Offline.
- Find-My must be active before the phone is gone.
3. Anti-Theft Phone Strap — the Physical Layer
The underrated tool. A phone strap makes your phone a physical extension of your body. Phone wrist strap anti theft works for wrist-wear, a 120 cm crossbody pearl strap for around-the-neck wear.
Three variants that actually prevent theft
| Variant | Length | Price | Anti-theft level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long pearl strap crossbody | 120 cm | from 29.90 euro | Very high |
| Phone cord crossbody | 150 cm | from 22.90 euro | Very high |
| Phone wrist strap | 22 cm | from 24.90 euro | Medium |
Our bestsellers: Pearl Onyx (long), Nomad Gold (cord), Midnight Matt (wrist).
4. iPhone Case with Strap — Anchor Point
An iphone case with strap (also known as iPhone case with lanyard) has built-in eyelets where the strap clips in directly. Without anchor point, no strap works.
- Integrated eyelets: our Clear Case with Eyelets — iPhone 7 to 17 Pro. MagSafe: Clear MagSafe with Eyelets.
- Universal holder: our Gold Holder retrofits any existing case.
What to watch for: metal eyelets (not plastic) and a firm rim. Cheap silicone cases with plastic eyelets tear out at light pull.
5. Behaviour in Risky Situations
Café or restaurant
Never put the phone on the table — especially at outdoor or window seats. With a phone strap on your body: impossible to steal quickly.
Public transport
At stops, thieves wait for the moment you check your phone. A long crossbody phone chain keeps the phone attached.
Travel (beach, market, city)
Backpack outer pockets are a no-go. Phone goes in the front pocket — or as a crossbody strap under the shirt.
What to do if your phone is stolen
- Minute 0–10: Open Find-My. If location visible: don't go yourself. Call police with location.
- Minute 10–60: Lock phone remotely. Block SIM via carrier hotline. Reset banking apps.
- Hour 1–24: Police report with IMEI. Insurance if applicable.
- After 48 hours: Remote erase. Change all access data.
FAQ
How to protect phone from theft best?
Combination of three layers: screen lock, Find-My, and an anti-theft phone strap. Reduces theft risk by over 80 percent.
Is an anti-theft phone strap safer than just a case?
Yes, significantly. A case protects the display on drops. A strap prevents the phone from leaving your hand — even on grab attempts.
Are anti-theft phone lanyards compatible with all phones?
Yes — either with a case-with-eyelets (iPhone 7–17, Samsung Galaxy S20–S25) or with a universal holder under your existing case.
What is a phone wrist strap anti theft?
A short strap (22 cm) that loops around your wrist. Prevents the phone from falling and from being grabbed quickly. Ideal for wrist-wearers.
How to find IMEI?
Dial *#06# on the phone — the 15-digit number appears instantly.
Can I locate phone after it's turned off?
iPhone since iOS 15: yes, up to 24 hours. Android: no, only when online.
How much does a complete anti-theft phone setup cost?
Case with eyelets from 24.90 euro, phone strap from 19.90 euro. Under 50 euro total for the most effective physical protection.